Tuesday, December 3, 2019

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

December can be a very busy month so make sure to take a deep breath and enjoy the friends and family around you. We hope everybody has a great time between get togethers and holiday functions.

Don't forget to consider those less fortunate and give back to your local food bank. Many organizations also collect wrapped gifts for those kids less fortunate as well. Be an active part of your community and give back.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from the Pedlar family!

Children's Miracle Network Donation

With every transaction we donate a proportion to the Children's Miracle Network. These donations we make go directly to the Children's Health Foundation at London Hospital where 90% of the machines are purchased through donations! We want to say a huge thank you to our clients for another great year!

RE/MAX National Outlook For 2020

RE/MAX is calling for a leveling out of the highs and lows that characterized the Canadian housing market in 2019, particularly in Vancouver and Toronto, as we move into 2020. Healthy price increases are expected next year, with an estimated 3.7 per-cent increase in the average residential sale price.

Most individual markets surveyed across Canada experienced moderate price increases year-over-year from 2018 to 2019. However, some regions in Ontario continue to experience higher-than-normal gains, including London (+10.7 per cent), Windsor (+11 per cent), Ottawa (+11.7 per cent) and Niagara (+12.9 per cent).

As more Canadians have adjusted to the mortgage stress test and older Millennials move into their peak earning years, it is anticipated that they will drive the market in 2020, particularly single Millennials and young couples. A recent Leger survey conducted by RE/MAX found that more than half (51 per cent) of Canadians are considering buying a property in the next five years, especially those under the age of 45.

Subdivision Planned ForJust North Of Grand Bend

South Huron Council learned recently of a major subdivision consisting of more than 300 homes planned for the east side of Highway 21 which is currently home to nine holes of the Oakwood golf course just north of Grand Bend

Dubbed the Oakwood Meadows Subdivision, the proposed residential project is expected to move forward starting in 2021 over several years of phasing.

Don de Jong of developers Tridon Group appeared at South Huron council’s Nov. 4 meeting to inform council of preliminary plans for the 130 acre property. Things are still in the early stages and official plan and zoning bylaw amendment applications will still have to come to council for approval.

Support Our MilitaryDuring The Holiday Season

The Canadian military men and women always deserve our utmost support but they are asking for extra support during the holiday season. It doesn't take long to write a quick letter for our men and women on active duty away from their families during the holidays.

Welcome to Forest’s newest adult lifestyle development. Townsend Meadows is the ideal destination for seniors who are looking for an exclusive retirement development in a caring community of like-minded neighbours. Enjoy all the conveniences of your family home without any of the maintenance and security concerns.

Townsend Meadows has come about through the initiative of a number of community members who wanted to create an accessible seniors development and provide a housing alternative that would help keep retirees in Forest. Townsend Meadows offers an opportunity for private independent living in the social and supportive atmosphere of small town living. There is are three floor plan sizes to choose from. You can enjoy a lifestyle free from the day-to-day worries of maintenance and security. We cut the grass and shovel the snow and you have the freedom to lock the door and go and spend time on things that are important to you.

New To Lambton Shores?

The municipality of Lambton Shores is starting a new initiative of making municipality information easier to find out. Check the link out and see what things you didn't know about this awesome municipality.

Thedford Santa Claus ParadeDecember 7 - 6:30pm - Main Street, ThedfordThe Thedford Fire Club will host their annual Santa Claus parade on Saturday, December 7, 2019 starting at 6:30pm. This year's theme is 80's Christmas. After the parade, head to the Thedford Legacy Centre for a free skate, sponsored by the Municipality of Lambton Shores. Santa will be there to greet the children. Hot dogs willbe available for everyone.

Breakfast With SantaDecember 8 - 10am - Noon - 9997 Port Franks Road, Port Franks - Port Franks Community CentreThe Ausable Port Franks Optimist Club invite you to come out with the family and have a delicious breakfast, see Santa and have your picture taken with him. There is cupcake decorating and other fun activities for the kids. The event will take place at the Port Franks Community Centre. FREE fun for the whole family.

Soup-er SundaysDecember 29 - Noon - 3pm - 9997 Port Franks Road - Port Franks Community CentreFun with Giant Games!! Come out to the West Wing of the Port Franks Community Centre with your family or on your own to spend time with others on a Sunday afternoon. There is a light soup lunch and dessert for $5 that is available if you wish.

Have a great day everyone and don't forget to check out our social media sites like youtube, facebook, twitter and our website to stay up to date on all the latest listings. You can find the links to these various social media outlets above our information below. See the benefits of using a high quality drone and camera for videos and pictures to add content to each listing.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Welcome To November &Hope Everyone Has A Safe Halloween

It's a rainy to start to November but don't let that get you down. Think about all the candy your kids are going to bring home or that you will have left over to eat! The seasons have certainly changed quickly around here as the cooler temperatures have arrived.

Bank Of Canada MakesLatest Interest Rates Announcement

In its scheduled announcement this morning, the Bank of Canada has announced that the overnight interest rate target will hold steady at 1.75 per cent. This is the eighth time in a row that the Bank held off on making any upward moves since raising its interest rate a year ago. The Bank cited the continued weakening of the global economy as the reason behind its decision, with the ripple effects reaching Canada.

“A growing number of countries have responded with monetary and other policy measures to support their economies. Still, global growth is expected to slow to around three per cent this year before edging up over the next two years,” the Bank noted in its announcement. “Canada has not been immune to these developments. Commodity prices have fallen amid concerns about global demand. Despite this, the Canada-US exchange rate is still near its July level, and the Canadian dollar has strengthened against other currencies.”

The next interest rate announcement is scheduled on December 4, 2019.

Craft Breweries & Local Wineries

This area of Southwestern Ontario is becoming quite the hot spot for craft breweries and local wineries. See below for a map heading north and south of Grand Bend to find your new favourite spot to grab a drink. Go out and support local as all these places remain open over the winter!

Grand Bend & Area Chamber of Commerce

Lots of excitement around the Grand Bend & Area Chamber of Commerce. They had their annual 'Celebrate The Season Awards' at the Oakwood Resort on November 7 from 6-9pm.

In other exciting news they released the brand new website at the start of the month ... this new site is more interactive and easier to find those hidden gems around the area. Go take a look today by clicking the link: http://www.itstartsatthebeach.ca/

Huron Shores Transit Proposal Moves Forward

This is great for our area that this moves forward. There is still some work to go but so far its going in the right direction of their being an actual public transit system connecting all our towns with each other and London & Sarnia. This transit system would allow cheap transit for those working in other towns, those who can't or don't drive, and those who want to head into the city. Many positives for the community!

Welcome to Forest’s newest adult lifestyle development. Townsend Meadows is the ideal destination for seniors who are looking for an exclusive retirement development in a caring community of like-minded neighbours. Enjoy all the conveniences of your family home without any of the maintenance and security concerns.

Townsend Meadows has come about through the initiative of a number of community members who wanted to create an accessible seniors development and provide a housing alternative that would help keep retirees in Forest. Townsend Meadows offers an opportunity for private independent living in the social and supportive atmosphere of small town living. There is are three floor plan sizes to choose from. You can enjoy a lifestyle free from the day-to-day worries of maintenance and security. We cut the grass and shovel the snow and you have the freedom to lock the door and go and spend time on things that are important to you.

New To Lambton Shores?

The municipality of Lambton Shores is starting a new initiative of making municipality information easier to find out. Check the link out and see what things you didn't know about this awesome municipality.

Before Remembrance Day EventsNovember 9 - 4pm - 58 Albert Street, Forest - Forest Legion
The Forest Legion will host a Remembrance Day Banquet on Saturday, November 9 at the Legion hall. Entertainment will start at 4pm, opening ceremonies will take place at 5:45pm and a roast beef dinner will be served at 6pm. Tickets are $15 per person and are available at the Legion.

November 9 - 6pm - 20 Municipal Drive, Grand Bend - Grand Bend Legion
The Grand Bend Legion will host a Veterans Appreciation Dinner on Saturday, November 9 starting at 6pm in the Legion hall. Veterans along with their spouses/caregivers are invited guests. Tickets are available at the Legion for the public as well.

Lambton Shores Bantam Regional Silver Stick TournamentNovember 28 - December 1, 2019
Lambton Shores will host the 3rd Annual Bantam LL/HL Regional Silver Stick Tournament November 28-December 1, 2019. Games will be played at the Shores Recreation Centre in Forest and the Legacy Recreation Centre in Thedford all weekend. Opening ceremonies will take place at the Shores Recreation Centre at 12:00pm on Friday, November 28, 2019.

Have a great day everyone and don't forget to check out our social media sites like youtube, facebook, twitter and our website to stay up to date on all the latest listings. You can find the links to these various social media outlets above our information below. See the benefits of using a high quality drone and camera for videos and pictures to add content to each listing.

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Saturday, October 26, 2019

London and St Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR) announced 861 homes* were sold last month, marking the second best September for home resales, since the Association began tracking data in 1978.

"In September, home resales across the region were up 11.8%, compared to the same month last year," said Earl Taylor, 2019 LSTAR President. "With three months left in the year, almost 8,000 homes have exchanged hands, which is up 3.6%, compared to this period in 2018."

Meanwhile, inventory remains low, with active listings at 1,841, up 8.8%, compared to September 2018. This number is well below the 10-year average. For comparison, this is down 22.6% compared to three years ago and down 49.6% compared to five years ago.

"What we're experiencing with low inventory has had an impact on the average home sales price," Taylor said. "Each of the five major areas in LSTAR's jurisdiction saw an increase last month. It was up 20.4% in Elgin County, up 6.6% in Middlesex and up 6.5% in Strathroy. London and St. Thomas also saw gains, up 5.1% and 4.3% respectively."

Overall, the average home price was $412,208. It represents an increase of 6.8% from September 2018 but is almost on par with the average sales price of $413,010 from August.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Thursday, October 17, 2019

3rd Quarter Market Report

The market still is moving in Grand Bend but things have settled a bit since the hot spring market. In town your seeing more inventory come on the market and although sales were down this quarter, they are fairly level for year over year and the prices are up over the last 12 months. Along the Lake inventory was down significantly this quarter compared to last year this time which led to fewer sales, but the numbers are pretty close for lakeside properties with more sales this year and an increase in the average price. However lakefront sales have slowed down compared to last and the average price has decreased with the entry level inventory mainly selling. Port Franks and area is still a strong market with more listings, more sales and increased prices.

New To Lambton Shores?

The municipality of Lambton Shores is starting a new initiative of making municipality information easier to find out. Check the link out and see what things you didn't know about this awesome municipality.

Halloween Fun DayOctober 26 - 1pm - 3pm - Port Franks Community Centre - 9997 Port Franks Road, Port FranksThe Optimist Club of Ausable Port Franks will host their annual Halloween Party on Saturday, October 26 from 1-3pm at the Port Franks Community Centre. One free pumpkin for each child to paint and take home! Trick or treating in their Spooky town, face painting and so much more. Free for all ages. Visit their website or facebook page for more information.

Have a great day everyone and don't forget to check out our social media sites like youtube, facebook, twitter and our website to stay up to date on all the latest listings. You can find the links to these various social media outlets above our information below. See the benefits of using a high quality drone and camera for videos and pictures to add content to each listing.